The Binding Moral Law on All Humanity (Chapter 19, Paragraph 2)

“This law, after God gave to Adam, he continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness after the fall…”

The fall of Adam into sin did not annul or cancel God’s moral law. Though mankind’s ability to obey it was ruined, the standard itself remained unchanged. Just as gravity still applies whether or not one obeys its laws, so God’s law continues to bind all people whether or not they acknowledge or observe it. Sin distorts our moral compass, but it does not erase our accountability to the Creator who made us in His image.

The law is God’s rule of righteousness—His revealed will for how human beings should live in relation to Him and one another. It is not arbitrary or cultural, but rooted in God's own holy character.

“…and was delivered by God upon Mount Sinai, in ten commandments…”

At Sinai, the moral law was not created but codified. The Ten Commandments were a formal, written expression of what had already been known—albeit dimly—through the law written on the heart. Sinai brought clarity and precision. God’s voice thundered from the mountain, giving a timeless moral blueprint to Israel, and by extension, to the world. These Ten Words (Exodus 20) encapsulate duties toward God (commandments 1–4) and neighbor (commandments 5–10).

“…and written in two tables…”

This phrase reflects the structure of the Ten Commandments—commonly viewed as two "tables" or sections: the first table covering duties to God (e.g., worship, Sabbath), the second covering duties to neighbor (e.g., honor, theft, murder). This division is echoed in Jesus’ summary of the law: “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37–40).

The two tables do not represent legalism, but love. God’s commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3) but are expressions of His good and gracious will.

“…the four first containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man.”

This classic division affirms that the whole law is relational—rooted in love for God and love for neighbor. We are not left to define love subjectively. God tells us what love looks like: honoring parents, speaking truth, keeping marriage pure, revering His name, setting apart a day for worship, and so on. The law gives structure and substance to godly living.

Does This Mean Everyone Is Still Under the Law?

Yes, but we must define what “under the law” means. The confession will clarify in later paragraphs that believers are not under the law as a covenant of works. We are not saved by law-keeping. However, the law still binds all people as a moral standard.

Unbelievers are condemned by the law because they cannot meet its demands. Believers are guided by the law—not to earn salvation, but to walk in the way that pleases God. Romans 3:19 says the law speaks “so that every mouth may be stopped.” Galatians 3:24 says the law is a tutor to lead us to Christ. And Romans 13:8–10 affirms that love is the fulfilling of the law—not by abandoning it, but by living it out.

Why Is This Important Today?

Modern culture often rejects moral absolutes. Many believe morality is personal, evolving, or culturally constructed. But the Bible says otherwise. God’s moral law is eternal, objective, and universal. It convicts every conscience, judges every society, and exposes every sin.

Moreover, the church must resist the antinomian (lawless) error. Some professing Christians act as if grace means freedom from obedience. But Scripture and this confession make clear: grace establishes the law (Rom. 3:31). Holiness is not optional for the believer, and God’s commandments are the map for that journey.

Application for the Believer:

As a follower of Christ, do not view God’s law as a burden but as a delight. Psalm 119 is a long song of praise for God's commands. The law reveals who God is—holy, just, and good—and it teaches us how to reflect His character. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). That’s not legalism—it’s love.

Let the Ten Commandments shape your conscience. Are you revering God’s name? Honoring the Lord’s Day? Cherishing truth and purity? Confessing your failures and clinging to Christ’s perfect righteousness?

The moral law convicts, humbles, and directs. Thank God that Jesus fulfilled it on your behalf—and now empowers you to walk in its light.